A DILAPIDATED barn in Braintree could be demolished and turned into housing.

An application has been submitted to Braintree Council for a storage building in London Road to be knocked down.

A total of four semi-detached houses could be built in its place.

Agent for the applicants, Pomery Planning Consultants, said: "It is the applicant’s view that the removal of the dilapidated barn and unsightly open storage uses and redevelopment with a small number of dwellings in the form proposed, will result in no harm to the landscape setting or to views into the site.

"The development of four dwellings on the edge of Braintree town will assist in making a contribution to the local economy simply by providing housing of the right type in the right location.

"The development will provide four new family houses which are likely to be constructed by local building contractors and subcontractors, providing an opportunity to maintain workforce levels and continued local economic prosperity."

They said the proposals will bring about an overall enhancement to the appearance of London Road.

The site used to be an engineering yard and the agent said it appears untidy, which fails to positively contribute to the character of the area.

Braintree Council will have the final say.